FRANCHISE INFORMATION

Who is Pier Pizza Company?

Pier Pizza Company is a New York style pizzeria serving fresh, authentic pizza. Developed in June 2000, this franchise is quickly making its mark with four locations in southern Rhode Island. Pier Pizza Company received RI Monthly’s “Best Pizza” award in 2002 and 2004.

Who is Authentic Pizza Company?

Authentic Pizza Company was developed in 2004 to handle all franchising aspects of new Pier Pizza Company restaurant locations. When you partner with Authentic Pizza Company, you receive all of the training and support necessary to run your own Pier Pizza Company restaurant. (We felt the name, "Authentic Pizza Company" says it all!)

Are all of the Pier Pizza Company locations franchises?

No. The Warwick location is the first franchise. The North Kingstown locations is a company owned store operating with a “management agreement”. The Wakefield and Narragansett locations are operated by Pier Pizza Company with well qualified managers in place.

How much does it cost to build a Pier Pizza Company restaurant?

The estimated initial investment required per restaurant, including certain additional funds necessary for the first three months of operation, ranges from approximately $75,000 to $140,000. Depending on your ability to obtain financing, your actual cash requirements could be as little as $30-40,000.

What is the franchise fee?

The initial franchise fee is $15,000 per unit for an individual Pier Pizza Company restaurant. The Franchise fee is for the initial license to use the Pier Pizza Company name and trademark, training, site assistance, and other pre-opening services to assist in starting your Pier Pizza Company Franchise.

What is the royalty fee?

An ongoing royalty fee of 5% of net sales is due on a monthly basis. This charge covers the continued use of the Pier Pizza Company name and trademark and access to our operation methods, ongoing support, and other benefits that come with being part of the Pier Pizza Company team.

What are the marketing and advertising fees?

Advertising Fund Contribution*- The current marketing fund contribution is 1.5% of net sales, collected on a monthly basis. Building recognition is an ongoing objective; one that benefits the entire Pier Pizza Company team. By everyone contributing to the general advertising and marketing fund, a consistent message will be conveyed to the community – “Pier Pizza Company …Fresh, Authentic Pizza Delivered.”

* Pier Pizza Company’s Franchise Offering Circular includes more detailed information regarding marketing and advertising fees.

Can I partner with someone who can provide me with financial backing r equired?

Yes. You need to supply us with a resume and personal financial statement for each member of your potential franchise group. Additionally, each member will be required to sign the franchise agreement.

Does Pier Pizza Company provide financing for restaurant development?

We will assist franchisees in locating lending institutions willing to provide financing. There are a few companies familiar with the Pier Pizza Company concept that have provided financing for one or more stores in the past. However, it is the responsibility of the prospective franchisee to secure his/her own financing. Neither Pier Pizza Company nor Authentic Pizza Company offers financing.

What is an UFOC?

Uniform Franchise Offering Circular. This document explains the key points of the franchise relationship, including the franchise agreement.

Do I have to work in my restaurant?

We require each franchisee to actively participate in the operation of their restaurant. That does not mean, however, they have to be in there making each and every pizza. A successful Pier Pizza Company restaurant will be one in which the store owner(s) and manager(s) can work together to meet the quality standards established by Pier Pizza Company and provide excellent customer service.

What type of return can I expect to make on my investment?

Pier Pizza Company does not provide earnings claim information. We do, however, encourage our prospective franchisees to conduct significant due diligence during the discovery process and contact existing franchisees or “contract managed store” owners with questions on marketing, finances, sales volumes, operations, etc. The amount of profit or loss is dependent on a number of factors, including the ability of the franchisee to manage the business, drive sales volume and control operating costs.

Does Authentic Pizza Company provide demographic data for my potential development area?

Yes. We will provide you with some of the demographics needed to evaluate the area(s) you are interested in developing.

Does Authentic Pizza Company select the site where I’ll build my Pier Pizza Company restaurant?

No. You are required to select your own site. A representative of Authentic Pizza Company can provide some assistance and must approve each location.

What kind of support can I expect from Authentic Pizza Company on the build-out of my restaurant?

We will provide you with the assistance you need to open your restaurant. We will also work closely with franchisees to review market trade areas and site criteria. Upon approval of a location, we will also assist you through the building plans, layout of the restaurant and ordering of equipment.

What kind of training requirements will I be expected to meet?

Before opening a restaurant, a franchisee must attend a two week training period at one of the Pier Pizza Company locations. The training combines hands-on operations and “classroom” information on the Pier Pizza Company concept. This program is designed to provide you with an understanding of the administrative and technical aspects of running your Pier Pizza Company restaurant. Costs of the training program are included in your Franchise fee; however, all travel and lodging costs will be at the Franchisee's expense.

Do I receive assistance in opening my business?

Yes. Authentic Pizza Company will assist in the grand opening of your restaurant, which is designed to build your customer base quickly. In addition to your full training program, representatives of the company will work with you at your restaurant for a period of up to ten working days.

What type of ongoing support does Authentic Pizza Company provide?

We provide ongoing guidance and training as needed. You will receive periodic scheduled visits from an Authentic Pizza Company representative to provide experienced guidance and answer any questions you may have. You will also receive the confidential Pier Pizza Company operations manuals, which cover policies and procedures involved in running your Pier Pizza Company Franchise. We want all of our franchise partners to be successful, so we will continually provide each location with ongoing support, new product innovations, marketing materials and more!

What are the term limits of the Franchise Agreement?

The initial term of the Pier Pizza Company Franchise Agreement is ten years. The Franchise agreement is renewable for one successive term of ten years for those Franchisees that meet our renewal criteria.

What are the minimum requirements to open a Pier Pizza Company franchi se?

•You and/or a business partner(s) should have restaurant experience.

•You and/or a business partner(s) should live in (or live close to) the market to be developed.

•You and/or a business partner(s) must be able to secure financing for opening a Pier Pizza Company franchise.

I want to own a Pier Pizza Company restaurant. What is the next step?

Contact Justin Gallant, owner and co-founder of Pier Pizza Company, at [email protected] or by calling the Wakefield location at 401-788-8181. A meeting should take place to address additional questions and concerns. And, an inside look at running a Pier Pizza Company store can be provided to perspective franchisees (ask for details).